Method and apparatus for preparing photographic film units having image frame associated encoded information

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for preparing photographic film units having image frame associated encoded data. The method has the steps of: providing a filmstrip having a plurality of image frames and encoded data relating to individual image frames; reading the encoded data; locating the image frames; identifying data units; correlating individual data units and individual image frames; and rerecording data units on the filmstrip in physical association with respective image frames.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patentapplications Ser. No. 08/775,306, entitled: FILM SLIDES HAVING ENCODEDDATA AND METHODS FOR PREPARING FILM SLIDES, and filed in the names ofDale McIntyre, Daniel Pagano, David Patton, and Edward Weissberger; Ser.No. 08/775,814, entitled: FILM SLIDES HAVING DATA WINDOWS, and filed inthe names of Dale McIntyre, Daniel Pagano, David Patton, and EdwardWeissberger; Ser. No. 08/775,324, entitled: ORIENTING PROJECTOR andfiled in the names of Dale McIntyre, Daniel Pagano, David Patton, andEdward Weissberger; Ser. No. 08/775,816, entitled: FORMATTING PROJECTORand filed in the names of Dale McIntyre, Daniel Pagano, David Patton,and Edward Weissberger; Ser. No. 08/775,847, entitled: ANNOTATIONDISPLAYING PROJECTOR and filed in the names of Dale McIntyre, DanielPagano, David Patton, and Edward Weissberger, each of which are assignedto the assignee of this application all filed on Dec. 31, 1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to photography and equipment for handlingdeveloped photographic films and more particularly relates to a methodand apparatus for preparing photographic film units having image frameassociated encoded data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photographic films are available in which information relating toindividual image frames can be encoded on the film. Advanced PhotoSystem™ (APS™) films are examples of such films. Encoding in these filmsis optical or magnetic or both. The encoded information can be readduring film processing and, for negative films, can then be printed inwhole or in part on the prints of the respective image frames. A problemexists for positive films, which are generally displayed as projectedslides or filmstrips. The information relating to individual imageframes is not physically correlated with those frames. When such film iscut up for slides, data cannot readily be associated with image frames.With filmstrips, data adjoining an image cannot be read for use withthat image.

It would thus be desirable to provide a method and apparatus which wouldprovide for correlation of photographic image frames and related data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims. The invention, in its broaderaspects, provides a method and apparatus for preparing photographic filmunits having image frame associated encoded data. The method has thesteps of: providing a filmstrip having a plurality of image frames andencoded data relating to individual image frames; reading the encodeddata; locating the image frames; identifying data units; correlatingindividual data units and individual image frames; and rerecording dataunits on the filmstrip in physical association with respective imageframes.

It is an advantageous effect of at least some of the embodiments of theinvention that provide a method and apparatus which provide for physicalcorrelation of photographic image frames and related data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1a is a schematic of an embodiment of the improved method forpreparing photographic film units having image frame associated encodedinformation.

FIG. 1b is a schematic of another embodiment of the improved method forpreparing photographic film units having image frame associated encodedinformation.

FIG. 1c is a semi-diagrammatical view of an embodiment of the apparatusfor preparing photographic film units having image frame associatedencoded information.

FIG. 2 is a semi-diagrammatical view of a filmstrip usable in the methodof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a first improved slide. Locations on thesegment of filmstrip within the mount are indicated by dashed lines.

FIG. 4 is a side pan view of an alternative embodiment of the improvedslide of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a semidiagrammatical view of an improved slide mountingapparatus.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an improved method for mounting slides.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a second improved slide. Locations on thesegment of filmstrip within the mount are indicated by dashed lines.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the improved slide of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of an embodiment of afirst improved projector. Components have been deleted for clarity. Thelocation of a positioner is indicated by dashed lines. The film holderis show in a horizontal position.

FIG. 10 is the same view as FIG. 9, but with the film holder in a firstvertical position.

FIG. 11 is a semi-diagrammatical rear plan view of the film holder ofthe projector of FIG. 9. Locations for film and film canister and for anextraction slot are indicated by dashed lines.

FIG. 12 is a semi-diagrammatical view of the projector of FIG. 9, but inthis view a film cartridge tray is shown in a display position on theprojector body. The film holder is in a horizontal position.

FIG. 13 is the same view as FIG. 12, but with the film holder in asecond vertical position.

FIG. 14 is the same view as FIG. 13, but the film cartridge tray is in aloading position. The film holder is in a horizontal position.

FIG. 15 is a semi-diagrammatical rear pan view of another embodiment ofthe first improved projector.

FIG. 16 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of the projector ofFIG. 9. Components, including the body, have been deleted and the filmhas been cut-away for clarity.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatical perspective view of the improved slide ofFIG. 7 in position to be read by the sensor of an embodiment of theprojector of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatical view of the control system of the projectorof FIG. 9.

FIG. 19 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of an embodiment of asecond improved projector. Panoramic and conventional format masks areshown in passive positions.

FIG. 20 is the same view as in FIG. 19, but the panoramic format mask isin an active position.

FIG. 21 is the same view as in FIG. 19, but the conventional format maskis in an active position.

FIG. 22 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of another embodimentof the improved projector of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a semi-diagrammatical rear plan view of the formatting andcropping mechanism of another embodiment of the second improvedprojector. The cropping elements are in a fully open or "H" position.

FIG. 24 is the same view as FIG. 23, but the cropping elements are bothin a cropping position.

FIG. 25 is a rear lower semi-diagrammatical perspective view of the filmholder of an embodiment of a third improved projector. The annotationpanel is shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 26 is a rear semi-diagrammatical perspective view of the filmholder of FIG. 25. The annotation panel is shown in an extendedposition.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a filmprojector having features of the first and second improved filmprojectors of FIGS. 9 and 19.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of analternative embodiment of a film projector having features of the firstand second improved film projectors of FIGS. 9 and 19.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a filmprojector having features of the first, second, and third improved filmprojectors of FIGS. 9, 19, and 25.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1a and 1b show two embodiments of the method for preparingphotographic film units having image frame associated encodedinformation. The terms "image frame" and "film frame" are used here torefer to a portion of film bearing a single visible image or a similarportion of film bearing a single latent image. The image frameassociated encoded information or data includes information that relatesto respective image frames. The film units are either filmstrips orshort mounted or unmounted film segments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 2, the method starts by providing(10) a filmstrip 12 having a plurality of film frames 14 bearing opticalinformation (either visible images or latent images that afterprocessing will become visible images). One or more areas (hereafteralso referred to as data areas 16) bordering the film frames can bearencoded information in magnetic or optical form or both. Magnetic andoptical data areas 18, 20, respectively; on an idealized filmstrip areindicated in FIG. 2. Optical information can be as simple as one or morespots of greater density in predetermined areas or can be more complex.Magnetic information can be provided in all or part of one or moremagnetic data areas 20. Optical or magnetic information can also beprovided as recorded in a layer overlying the film frame (hereafter alsoreferred to as frame data layer, not separately illustrated), or on theleader or trailer of the film, or on an article associated with thefilm, such as a film cartridge or data disc.

The filmstrip is developed either as a part of the providing step (10)or in a separate procedure independent of the method. In the next stepshown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the encoded data is read (22) from theprovided filmstrip. If the filmstrip is not developed prior to themethod, then the actual relative order of developing the filmstrip andreading the data is largely a matter of convenience. Optical encodeddata is read after development. Magnetic encoded data can be read beforeor after development.

APS film includes optical and/or magnetic data and APS film can beprocessed on equipment that has the ability to read this data prior toprocessing and process the film accordingly. Detailed information onthis is presented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,130,745; 5,229,810; and 4,977,419which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Data read in thismanner could be utilized in the method of the invention, on the otherhand, the data could also be read independently. For example, thefilmstrip can be developed on one piece of equipment and then some timelater, the filmstrip could be transferred to another piece of equipmentto read the data. It is highly preferred that the method be fullyautomated, or at least that non-automated steps be minimized; forexample, non-automated steps being limited to a transfer from aprocessor to another piece of equipment.

After the encoded data has been read, a data unit is identified (24) forlater rewriting. A data unit is one or more items of information,including or responsive to information obtained in the reading step(22); that are to be associated with a particular image frame 12. Thenature of the information in the data unit is not subject to particularlimitations; however, it is preferred that the data unit be limited toor predominantly the information obtained in the reading step (22). Thatinformation is generally going to fit into one of two categories:information useful in processing the film (hereafter "processing data")and information of interest to the user of the developed film (hereafter"image data"). The data unit can include only image data or both imagedata and processing data.

In the identifying of the data unit, the information read is storedand/or manipulated to provide a data unit for later rewriting. It ispreferred that the information read be stored and then modified toprovide a data unit which is then stored. The terms "stored", "storing",and the like; are used broadly here to refer to a wide variety ofprocedures in which information is retained in a logic structure priorto further transfer. The logic structure can be as simple as a mechaniclogic element; however, in view of size and speed limitations, it ishighly preferred that the logic structure be a memory unit of amicroprocessor or digital computer, or a separate digital memory devicethat is readable by a microprocessor or digital computer such as a harddisc or floppy disc. The storage method is not critical. For example,data could be stored in magnetic form, without compression, as a seriesof discrete files on a conventional storage device such as RAM memory ofa central processing unit, a hard disc, or a disc array. Data could alsobe stored, in compressed form, in a large file on optical storagemedium, such as a writable compact disc. A variety of other approachesare available and within the knowledge of one of skill in the art.

During the identifying step, the stored data can be manipulated ormodified in a wide variety of ways. For example, the data can bereformatted and be assigned to one or more computer files which can becombined or associated with computer instructions necessary for furthertransfer of the data. As a part of the storing step, the stored data canbe edited to modify specific information or add or remove otherinformation. The modification of the data can be fully automatic; or canbe automatic, but subject to optional intervention; or can requireoperator input for each image frame. It is highly preferred that theidentification step, including any modification of data, be at leastsubstantially automatic and based upon predetermined criteria, so as tomaximum the speed of the method. This function can be provided by anappropriately programmed microprocessor or computer.

In the next step shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the image frames 14 arelocated (26), relative to each other and an external reference point(indicated in FIG. 2 by a dashed cross 28). The relative timing andprocedure used in locating the image frames, like the relative timing ofdeveloping the filmstrip and procedures for reading and storing theencoded data, is largely a matter of convenience. The image frames 14can be located in a wide variety of ways including mechanical logicbased on film travel or counting the passage of a predetermined numberof perforations 30. It is preferred that the image frames be located bya sensor that detects a film feature disposed at a constant geometricrelationship to the image frame 14. (The sensor, indicated by dashed box32 in FIG. 2, can have a fixed or determinable physical separation fromthe external reference point 28.) For example, the sensor can detect anedge of a magnetic region, or an optical spot, or an edge of the imageframe itself, or an edge of a perforation. Once the predetermined filmfeature has been detected, the location of the image frame relative tothe reference point is known.

In the next step shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, data units are correlated(34) with respective image frames. This step prepares for the next stepin which the data unit is rerecorded (36) onto the filmstrip in physicalassociation with the respective image frame.

The correlation step can be provided in a variety of ways. For example,transport of located image frames can be synchronized with the readingof encoded data and the rewriting of data units. Referring to FIG. 2, inthis example, a provided filmstrip 12 could have encoded data relatingto a first frame 14a magnetically recorded in a magnetic data area 18badjacent a second frame 14b. (This arrangement is convenient forcameras, since data can be recorded during film advance.) The data unitand respective image frame could be correlated by limiting the data unitfor the first image frame 14a to information read from the magnetic dataarea 18b. After writing data area 18a would bear the data unit for imageframe 14a. With image frames at a constant spacing, neighboring magneticheads could be used for reading and writing. In this case, reading andwriting are almost simultaneous and data storage is very temporary.

In rerecording, the data unit is written to the filmstrip in thephysical proximity of a respective image frame. Each data unit is moreclosely associated with its respective image frame than with neighboringimage frames. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the data unit for animage frame 14b is preferably rerecorded within an area indicated by theboundaries 38, or more preferably rerecorded within the magnetic dataareas 18 between boundaries 38. The data unit can be rerecorded so as tooverwrite existing data or can be added to existing data. (Opticalinformation, by the nature of photographic film, is not rewritten. Themethod can be utilized to rewrite optical data as magnetic data.) It iscurrently preferred that data units be written to overwrite existingdata areas of the filmstrip. It is also preferred that the data unitsnot be rerecorded onto the film data layer overlying the image frame.

The data correlated filmstrip having image frame associated data unitsproduced at the end of the rerecording step can be utilized as afilmstrip or can be cut into segments and then utilized. In the formercase, shown in FIG. 1b, it is preferred that an additional step beprovided, in which the filmstrip is placed (40) in a cartridge or otherholder. For example, in the case of APS film, and filmstrip can bereturned to the original cartridge, from which the film came, and can beutilized in that cartridge in a projector or other device. In the lattercase, shown in FIG. 1a, the segments of data correlated filmstrip (alsoreferred to herein as "data correlated film segments" and "data-filmsegments") are cut (42) so that each segment includes an image frame andassociated data unit. In a preferred embodiment, each segment includes asingle image frame and the segments are cut apart at predeterminedboundaries 38 as shown in FIG. 2. The boundaries 38 are separated fromimage frames and magnetic data sufficiently to eliminate or minimizeloss of data or image. The data-film segments can be utilized as cutpieces. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the data-film segmentsare assembled (44) with slide mounts to form completed slides which canthen be utilized in slide projectors and the like.

Many of the steps of the method for preparing photographic film unitshaving image frame associated encoded information have been described asif a step, such as reading or identifying, were performed on the entirefilmstrip before moving on to the next step. Steps of the method can beperformed this way; however, it is generally more convenient to performmost of the steps of the method on image frames and data units insuccession. This allows greater speed, since steps such as reading,rerecording, and cutting can take place simultaneously on differentparts of the same filmstrip.

The method for preparing photographic film units having image frameassociated encoded information has been described here in relation to acontinuous filmstrip, however, this method can be applied to shorterlengths of film. Alternatively, segments can be cut from the filmstripas an initial step, before or after processing. Such embodimentsutilizing segments or short lengths of film are not preferred, becauseof the increased difficulties of film handling and an increased risk ofmiscorrelation of data units and film segments.

FIG. 1c shows an apparatus for preparing photographic film units havingimage frame associated encoded information. A filmstrip 12 is deliveredto a read head 13 either directly from a store 15 or alternatively afterpassage through a developing unit 17. The filmstrip 12 then travels pasta rerecord or write head 19. Each head 13,17 is shown with a backing pad21. The heads 13,17 are operatively connected to a controller 23 bylines 25. After passage by heads 13,17, the filmstrip is wound onto atake-up 27, for use as a filmstrip (optionally after return to acartridge 29) or along an alternative path to a cutter or guillotine 31and mounter 33 (illustrated as a mount feeder 33a and fastener 33b). Thepath of a cut film segment 35 is indicated by arrows 37. Film drives arenot illustrated, but can be provided by conventional means such as pairsof opposed rollers.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a first improved slide 46 has a mount 48which surrounds a data correlated transparency 50. The transparency canbe a data-film segment produced as above-described or can be a sheet ofmaterial bearing encoded data and a transmitted light viewable imageprinted using inks, electrophotographic toner, or the like. As a matterof convenience the following discussion will generally refer to adata-film segment, but it will be understood that the same discussionalso applies to other data correlated transparencies.

The data-film segment 50, as discussed above, has an image frame 14, andone or more data areas 16 bearing encoded information. The data areas 16are inclusive of one or more magnetic data areas 18, optical data areas20, or both.

The mount 48 has one, or two, or more panels or cards 52 that are joinedtogether over the data-film segment 50 by fasteners, adhesive or thelike. A single panel 52 folded over the data-film segment 50 is shown inFIG. 4. The mount 48 has front and rear faces 54,56 respectively, andtwo pair of opposed edges 58. The faces 54,56 define a pair of imagewindows 60,62 which overlap each other and the image frame 14. Thedata-film segment 50 is preferably spaced apart from all of the edges 58of the mount 48 and inset from both faces 54,56 to reduce the risk offoreign objects damaging the data-film segment.

The mount 48 is configured such that the data-film segment 50 can beassembled in the mount 48 and be removed without substantial damage tothe data-film segment 50. The mount 48 can be subject to damage by theremoval procedure, or can be configured to withstand removal and returnof the data-film segment 50 and reassembly. For example, referring toFIG. 4, the mount 48 can be fastened together by an adhesive layer 64that can be delaminated and reattached or replaced. If the mount is heldtogether by fasteners or heat or solvent welding or the like, thefastened area (not separately illustrated) is preferably spaced apartfrom the data-film segment to protect against damage. The mount 48sandwiches the data-film segment 50 and covers at least a portion of thedata areas 16 of the data-film segment 50. The mount 48 thus providesmechanical protection for the data areas 16 of the data-film segment 50.

The recorded data unit on the data-film segment 50 provides an archivalfunction. More immediate access to the data unit is provided by themount 48 itself. The panel 52 of the mount 48, or in the case ofmulti-panel mounts, at least one panel 52 of the mount 48 is made of amagnetically-recordable material. The panel 52 can, and preferably doesinclude, a magnetic record of all or at least part of the data unit. Inpreferred embodiments the mount is made of a single panel ofmagnetically-recordable material or has multiple panels, but each panelis magnetically-recordable. The result in these embodiments is arelatively large magnetic storage capacity and the mount can includemore magnetically recorded data than is present on the data-filmsegment. Recordable areas of the mount are not limited to faces. One ormore edges 58 can bear recorded information. Information can be repeatedin different locations on the mount to permit slides to be read inmultiple orientations.

A variety of materials can be used for the panels 52 of the mount 48such as those used to make credit cards that include a magneticallyrecordable area. Examples of such materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,601,913; 5,113,062; 4,243,698; 3,451,934; 3,902,262; 5,151,333;3,808,404; and 5,082,730. Particularly convenient materials aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/818,731, entitled"METHOD OF MAKING A MAGNETICALLY ENCODEABLE CARD HAVING MAGNETICPARTICLES UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT", filed Apr. 7, 1995, byRobert James, Mary-Irene Condo, Bradford West, and Lawrence Rowley andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/418,336, entitled "MAGNETICALLYENCODABLE CARD HAVING MAGNETIC PIGMENT UNIFORMLY DISPERSED IN PLASTIC",filed Apr. 7, 1995, by T. Jagielinski, F. Jeffers, and R. O. James. Bothapplications are commonly assigned to the assignee of this application,and are hereby incorporated herein by reference. With these materials,the magnetically encodeable particles are disbursed throughout and anyor substantially all portions of the card or panel are magneticallyrecordable. (As a practical matter, magnetic recording is convenientlyprovided on one or both faces 54,56 and one or more edges 58 of theslide.)

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an improved slide mounting apparatus 66 and method.(Some components of the apparatus 66 are the same or comparable tocomponents of the apparatus for preparing photographic film units havingimage frame associated encoded information previously discussed. Somesteps of the slide mounting method similarly mirror steps of the methodfor preparing photographic film units having image frame associatedencoded information. In both cases, considerations already discussed inrelation to similarly named components and steps also apply here, exceptas indicated.) A filmstrip 12 is provided (10) from a store 15. FIG. 5illustrates the store or source 15 as holder 15 and cartridge 29;however, the nature of the filmstrip source is not critical. Forexample, the filmstrip can be supplied from a large reel prepared bysplicing together shorter segments or directly from film processingequipment.

Encoded data is read (22) by a read head 13. The data read istransmitted to a controller 23 where the data unit is identified (24)for later recording (66) on the mount. Image frames are located (26)relative to a reference point and data units, image frames, and mountsare correlated (68). The filmstrip 12 is cut into segments 76 by acutter 31, each segment 76 including an image frame. The data units arerecorded (72) on respective mounts 78 by a write head 19 and the mounts78 and respective film segments 76 are assembled (74).

As previously indicated, the providing (10), reading (22), identifying(24), and locating (26) steps in this method are substantially similarto the steps of the method for preparing photographic film units havingimage frame associated encoded information previously discussed. Thecorrelating (68), cutting (70), recording (72), and assembling (74)steps of this method resemble, but are not the same as similarly namedsteps of the method for preparing photographic film units having imageframe associated encoded information previously discussed. Onedifference is that the data unit is recorded onto the mount and notrerecorded onto the respective film segment. Another difference relatesto the correlation step. As in the earlier method, prior to the writingstep, data units must be correlated to respective image frames. Unlikethat method, data units must be correlated to particular mounts andimage frames (or more correctly) portions of film including an imageframe must be correlated with a particular mounts. As in the earliermethod, correlation can be provided by any of a variety of means. Forexample, equipment can be operated in lock-step or items can beseparated and later reassociated by reference to identifyingcharacteristics such as magnetic codes or optical marks.

As in the previous method, the specific order of steps such as cuttingand recording is not critical; however, it is highly preferred that thesteps follow an order which reduces the chance of error. For example,the filmstrip could be cut into segments before reading, but thisgenerally creates a greater risk of error than if the filmstrip is firstread and then cut. Similarly, a risk of error may be reduced if a mountis written only after assembly with a segment.

Referring now to the details of the embodiment of the apparatus shown inFIG. 5, the filmstrip 12 is driven from the supply 15 by thrusting thefilmstrip from the cartridge 29 using a drive element (indicated bycircle 80). The filmstrip 12 travels past the read head 13 which readsthe encoded data and sends the data to the controller 23 which can be,for example, a personal computer having a hard drive or other digitalstorage device. The filmstrip 12 then passes through a guillotine 31where it is cut into segments 76. The guillotine 31 is actuated inregistry with the passage of image frames to cut the filmstrip 12 intosegments 76. The guillotine 31 can be kept in registry in a variety ofways. For example, the guillotine 31 can be operated in response to thepassage of a predetermined number of perforations or can operate on thebasis of a detected film frame or data segment using a sensor asdiscussed above in relation to FIG. 2. The guillotine 31 can also besynchronized with the drive element 80. Cut segments 76 are moved by asegment drive 82 (illustrated as a pair of rollers 82a acting against atable 82b) into a mounter 33. In the mounter 33, the segments 76 seat inpartially open film mounts 78a delivered by a feeder or mount supply33a. A ram 84 then forces the filled mount in the direction of arrow 86into a fastener 33b. As discussed above, mounts can be fastened togetherin a variety of ways. FIG. 5 illustrates a laminator 33b, in the form ofa pair of pinch rollers which force the panels of the mount together toactivate a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the mount. The writehead 19, shown between the pinch rollers, writes the data unit to themount 78. Several write heads can be used if it is desired to write ontwo or more of the faces and edges of the mount. Finished mounts thentravel to a collector 88, drop in the direction of arrow 90, and areaccumulated. Variations in this apparatus, such as interfaces to filmprocessing or slide packaging equipment, will be readily apparent to oneof skill in the art.

In a particular embodiment, the slide mounting method and apparatus areused to produce the above-discussed first improved slides 46 havingfilm-data segments. A data correlated filmstrip can be provided in step(10) of the slide mounting method, or the slide mounting method andmethod for preparing photographic film units having image frameassociated encoded information can be combined by adding the rerecordingstep (36) of the earlier method to the slide mounting method andensuring that the cutting step (70) of the slide mounting methodaccommodates associated data units in the manner of the cutting step(42) of the other method. The slide mounting apparatus 66 would bemodified by the additional of another writing head 19 positioned torerecord the data units on the filmstrip.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, a second improved slide 92 has a mount 94which has front and rear faces 96,98, respectively, and two pair ofopposed edges 100. The mount 94 holds a data correlated transparency 50.As in the above discussion of the first improved slide 46, the followingdiscussion will generally refer to a data-film segment, but it will beunderstood that the same discussion also applies to other datacorrelated transparencies.

The mount 94 has one, or two, or more panels or cards 102 that arejoined together over the data-film segment 50 by fasteners, adhesive orthe like. FIGS. 7-8 show a slide 92 having two panels 102. The materialof the panels is not critical and can be cardboard or plastic or thelike. A magnetically recordable material could be used, but is notparticularly advantageous unless a large amount of magnetic data storageis desired. It is not critical whether the panels can be removed fromthe transparency without damage.

The faces 96,98 of the mount 94 define a pair of image windows 104,106which overlap each other and the image frame 14. The faces 96,98 alsodefine one or more data windows 108 which at least partially overlap oneor more data areas 16 of the film-data segment 50. FIGS. 7 and 8 show anembodiment in which a front data window 110 overlaps a magnetic dataarea 18 (illustrated as a pair of magnetic recording tracks). The frontdata window 110 also overlaps an optical data area 20 (shown as having apair of optically recorded marks or dots). A back data window 112 onlyoverlaps the optical data area 20.

The data windows 108 can be contiguous with an image window 104 or 106of the same face 96 or 98, or can be spaced apart from the respectiveimage window 104 or 106. A data window 108 can extend across a face 104or 106 from one edge 100 to another, but it is currently preferred forreasons of physical integrity of the slide 92 that each data window 108be inset from edges 100. A data window 108 can be located on the mount94 so as to cover only part of the cumulative data areas 16. The covereddata area 16 can provide an archival function. For example, a data-filmsegment 50 can be prepared in which a data unit is written to a pair ofdata areas 16 and the mount 94 can then cover one area 16 and leave theother area 16 exposed. In this case, the mount 94 or at least a part ofthe mount overlying the covered data area should be removable withoutdamage to the data-film segment to provide requisite access to thecovered data area.

The slide 92 can include data windows for magnetic data areas or foroptical data areas or for both. A magnetic data window, that is, a datawindow 108 covering a magnetic data area 18, can be provided on only oneface 96 or 98, since the data area 18 can be accessed from one side.Optical data areas 20 can be accessed through a pair of overlappingoptical data windows or a single window can be used if the underlyingmount panel 102 is sufficiently reflective. A reflective insert can beprovided if needed (not shown).

The improved film projectors display still images on a frame by framebasis utilizing encoded data provided either on a filmstrip or on aslide mount. In reliance upon the encoded information, the projectorscan provide without additional input, one or more of: image orientation,selection of image format, and display of annotations. These featurescan utilize encoded information collected at the time of image captureor provided later in an editing process. The editing process can also beutilized to provide or modify annotations or modify the image displayed,for example, by zooming and cropping, or provide other features such asplaying recorded sounds.

It is preferred that the encoded information be physically correlatedwith a respective film frame. If the projector is for use with slides,then the first and second improved slides above-discussed are preferred.If the projector is for use with a filmstrip, then a data correlatedfilmstrip is preferred for reasons of the reduced film handlingnecessary to read data associated with an individual film frame. Morepreferred is a data correlated filmstrip provided in a thrust type filmcassette, such as an APS™ film cassette. A thrust type film cassettesimplifies the mechanisms required for physical movement of thefilmstrip. A data correlated filmstrip mounted in a thrust cassette isalso referred to here as a "data-thrust cartridge".

Projector features are primarily discussed herein in relation to use ofa data-thrust film. Modifications necessary for slide projectorsproviding these same features will be readily apparent to those of skillin the art; since, except as discussed in detail herein, thosemodifications are a simplification of the information present here instraight-forward combination with features of known slide projectors.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 9-11, the first improved projector 114has a body 116. Alight source 118 mounted in the body 116 directs acollimated beam through a film station 120 to a projection lens system122, which propagates to light to a image plane (not shown) outside theprojector 114. The light source includes a lamp and a collimator such asa parabolic mirror (not separately illustrated). The lens system 122defines an optical axis 124.

The film station 120 includes a film holder 126 which has a chamber 127for a film cartridge 128 and is rotatable about the optical axis betweena horizontal orientation (shown in FIG. 9) and a vertical orientation(shown in FIG. 10). Preferably, the film holder 126 is rotatable aboutthe optical axis between a horizontal orientation and two differentvertical orientations. The latter accommodates image frames from cameraswhich can be held in either of two opposite orientations for verticalpictures. If desired, fine adjustment for slight exposure misalignmentscan also be provided (not shown). If desired, the film holder can alsobe made to rotate through 180 degrees or even 360 degrees or more. Thiscan accommodate the very occasional image frame originally photographedupside down or can accommodate filmstrips from cameras having anopposite hand of load (cartridge orientation during film exposure). Ifthe film holder 126 is to be rotated upside down, provision should bemade to prevent the cartridge 128 from falling out of the film holder126, by use of a spring loaded detent 130 or movable stop or the like(shown in FIG. 11).

The film holder 127 has a chamber unit 132 and a rotation element 134.The chamber unit 132 has the cartridge chamber 127, a film roll chamber136, and a display section 138 disposed between the two chambers127,136. The display station 138 includes a projection window 140positioned so as to align with the individual image frames of thefilmstrip in the cartridge 128. A projector film drive 142 mounted inthe film holder has one or more shafts or elements 144 positioned toengage the spool of the cartridge 128, the active light lock, ifpresent, and/or other features of the cartridge or filmstrip. Furtherdetails of a projector film drive and associated projector featuresuseful with thrust type cartridges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,363,156 to Tiannello et al., which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. An extraction slot 146 is provided in the film holder 126 foraccess by a lift mechanism for extracting the data-thrust cartridge 128.

The chamber unit 132 has opposed front and rear sides 148 which arespaced apart axially along the optical axis 124. The rotation element134 can be fixed to one side 148 of the chamber unit 132 or the rotationelement 134 can have a pair of submembers 150 fixed to both front andrear sides 148 of the chamber unit 132. The, rotation element 134rotatably engages a one or two piece support 152 fixed to the body 116.A repositioner 154, indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 9, is mounted inone or the other of the rotation element 134 and the support 154 andpowers rotation of the film holder 126. The repositioner 154 can take awide variety of forms, such as a stepper motor geared to the rotationelement or a driven roller acting as friction drive against the rotationelement.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 12-14, the projector 114 can include afilm cartridge tray 156 having a series of cartridge receivers 158.General features of a tray for thrust cartridges are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,363,156. Referring again to FIGS. 12-14, the tray 156 ismounted so as to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis124. The tray 156 is movable between a series of loading positions, oneof which is shown in FIG. 14, and a display position, shown in FIGS. 12and 13. In each of the loading positions, a cartridge 128 can be movedin or out of the tray 156 by a lift mechanism (not shown in FIGS.12-14). In the display position, a cartridge 128 is in the film holder126 and a large slot 160 in the tray 156 is positioned over the filmholder 126, allowing the film holder 126 to be rotated out of thehorizontal position. The projector 114 can include provision forautomatically rotating the tray 156 to the display position afterloading, or the display position could be utilized only when rotation ofthe film holder 126 was desired.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the first improved projector 114, inwhich the projector 113 displays slides. The rotational element (notshown in FIG. 15) is substantially like those previously described, butthe film holder 126 is much smaller, having a simple receiver 162 forthe slide 164. The cartridge tray 166 and lift mechanism 168 can be madelike those of conventional slide projectors, which are well known tothose of skill in the art, with the exception that the lift mechanism168 is only operable if the film holder 126 is in a horizontal positionrather than a vertical position. (Otherwise the extraction slot 170 isinaccessible to the lift mechanism. The terms "horizontal" and"vertical" are somewhat arbitrary designations for the position of thefilm holder itself and are not indicative of the orientation of a slidewithin the film holder relative the film holder.)

Images displayed by the projector 114 all appear in the correctorientation, because the film projector 114 reorients each film frame ator immediately before the time of display. Referring now to FIG. 16, asensor 172 is positioned in or adjacent the film holder 126 so as toread encoded data either as a film frame is moved into registry with theprojection window 140 or after the film frame has attained thatposition. The film is preferably thrust from a cartridge 128 across thedisplay section 138 and forms a film roll 174 in the film roll chamber136. The sensor 172 can include one or both of an optical detection heador element and a magnetic head. With optical detection relative motionof the head and data area may not be necessary. With a magnetic head,relative motion must be provided between the head and the data area ofthe film. Relative motion can be provided either by reading while thedata area is moved past a fixed head or the magnetic head can be movedand the data area held in place. For example, the magnetic head can bereciprocated back and forth over the data area. Referring now to FIGS.7, 8, and 17, in a projector configured for use with slides 92 havingdata windows 108 that are inset from the edges 100 of the slide 92, themagnetic head 176 is translated into and out of the data window 108, inthe directions of arrows 178; and is reciprocated relative to the slide92 along the data window 108, in the directions of arrows 180.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the sensor 172 reads the encoded orientationdata and sends a signal to a controller 182, such as an appropriatelyprogrammed microprocessor or computer. The controller 182 in responseactuates the repositioner 154 based on predetermined parameters. Signalpaths are indicated by lines 186. Other data and appropriate drivemechanisms 184 (if any), as discussed in greater detail below, are readand actuated in the same manner. The sensor 172 can include a read-writemagnetic head or a write head 186 can be provided in addition to thesensor 172. An input device 188 can be made as part of the projector 114or can be connected for modification of encoded data.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 18-22, in a second improved projector 190,a sensor is positioned in the same manner as shown in FIG. 16, to readencoded data on the filmstrip or slide that indicates the format inwhich the image frame was taken. (In FIGS. 19-22, the area where thesensor contacts the film is indicated by a dashed line 191. This area ispartially cut-away, as discussed below.) APS cameras, for example, canimprint this information on the film in either optical or magnetic form.The controller 182, in response to a signal from the sensor 172displaces a formatter or gate 192 into place as necessary. FIGS. 19-21show a film holder 126 having a projection window 140 in the shape of anH-format APS film frame. Masks 194, 196 are movable to provide P formatand C format, as needed. The masks 194,196 are driven by a motor 198connected to a geartrain 200. The motor 198 and geartrain 200 areillustrated as being exposed, however, both are preferably covered toprotect against damage. The P and C formats display smaller image areasfor projection. The projector can include a zoom mechanism 202,illustrated as a drive mechanism 184 geared to a rack 204 attached to azoom element 206 of the lens system 122. The zoom mechanism 202 canautomatically vary the magnification of a projected image, for example,to magnify a C image more than an H image. The same zoom mechanism couldalso be operated independent of format selection by use of additional"zoom" data encoded on the filmstrip or slide by the user. Similarly,this zoom feature could be provided in the first improved projectorpreviously discussed. Format masking, in the manner of the secondimproved projector, could also be provided in the first improvedprojector in addition to the automatic image frame orienting earlierdiscussed. Recentering of a zoomed area can be provided by providing ahorizontal-vertical positioning mechanism 208 to move the film station120 and light source 118 in horizontal and vertical directionsperpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-24, in another embodiment of the secondprojector, the formatter providing format masking is a cropper 210, ageneralized cropping mechanism. Specific formats are provided inaccordance with predetermined parameters by the controller. Userdetermined cropping could also or alternatively be provided by means ofappropriate data written to the filmstrip or slide.

The cropper 210 has a support plate 212 that is mounted in the projectorbetween the film holder and the lens system (not shown) and defines acropping window 213 through which the projected beam passes. The cropper210 has a pair of "L"-shaped cropping blades 214,216. The cropper 210includes two sub-assemblies 218, each comprising a first linear steppingmotor 220 fixed to the support plate 212, a movable plate 222, and asecond linear stepping motor 224 fixed to the movable plate 222. Eachfirst linear stepping motor 220 has a threaded drive shaft 226 that isfixed to a respective first movable plate 222. Each second linearstepping motor 224 has a drive shaft 228 fixed to a respective croppingblade 214 or 216. The two sub-assemblies 218 are positioned orthogonallyon the same surface of the support plate 212. Directions of motion ofthe components are indicated by arrows 230 in FIG. 24. The cropper 210can be mounted in the projector body so as to be movable relative to theoptical axis to permit automatic or manual recentering of the croppedimage. Zooming of the optical system on an automatic or manual basis canalso be provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-26, in a third improved projector 232, asensor (not shown) is positioned to read encoded data on the filmstripor slide that indicates annotation information created either at thetime the film was exposed, or processed, or during later editing. (InFIGS. 25-26, the area where the sensor contacts the film is indicated bya dashed lines 234. As in the other projectors discussed, the sensor canhave one or multiple parts, such as separate optical and magnetic heads,and can be located in a variety of different locations depending uponthe area of the film segment or slide to be read.) APS cameras, forexample, can also record this kind of information. The annotationinformation; alphanumeric material, indicia or images; can be displayedon a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 236 or the like on the body ofthe projector (not shown). It is preferred that the LCD panel 236 be atransmission type LCD display permanently interposed in the projectionbeam, or interposable in the projection beam on a part-time basis.Details of suitable displays are well known to those of skill in theart. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,436, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference, teaches a display which can be inserted directlyinto a conventional slide projector. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 25-26,the controller 182 can be programmed to move the annotation display orpanel 236 from a retracted position (shown in FIG. 25) to an extendedposition (shown in FIG. 26) whenever annotation information isavailable, or only for specific data, or only as desired by a user. Theannotation feature can be combined with formatting, zooming, andcropping as desired on either an automatic or manual basis; however,unless provision is made for repositioning the display, use of featureslike formating and cropping may interfere with the visibility of thedisplay. The annotation feature can be combined with the filmorientation feature. Since the annotation display is preferably mountedin the film holder, reorienting of the film holder also reorients suchan annotation display. This can be accommodated, for example, by havingthe controller reorient text as required. A square display can be usedto make this easier. Alternatively, one or more additional displays canbe added to accommodate different positions of the film holder.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 27-29, the controller 182 of the projectorcan be programmed in a variety of ways depending upon features providedon the projector. FIGS. 27-29 illustrate flow charts for threeprojectors using APS data-film cartridges and providing differentcombinations of features. Referring first to the projector of FIG. 27,the cartridge is first loaded (238) into the projector. The data unit isread and sent to the controller 182. Determinations are made as to handof load (240) of the camera that exposed the film (right or left),orientation (242) of the image frames (horizontal or rotated by 90degrees), and format (244) of the image frame (Normal (C), H, or Pan(P). Signals (239) are sent from the controller 182 to respective drivemechanisms 184 to rotate the film holder and image 180 degrees (241) forright-hand of load, to rotate (243) the film holder and image 90 degreesfor a vertical image, and to set (245) the zoom magnification andformatter for the determined format. The image frame is then projected(246) and the process is repeated for another image frame (248), andsubsequently another cartridge (250). FIG. 28 follows a similarprocedure, but includes steps in which a user can designate a zoom (252)and crop (254) which can be written to the filmstrip or slide and beused automatically by the projector the next time the image frame isviewed. FIG. 29 provides a procedure similar to that of FIG. 27, butincludes a step (256) in which the controller 182 determines ifannotation information is present, and if so positions (258) the LCDpanel for projection of the annotations with the image frame.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed herein for purposes of illustration, the protection affordedby any patent which may issue upon this application is not strictlylimited to a disclosed embodiment; but rather extends to allmodifications and arrangements which fall fairly within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto:

Parts list

providing step (10)

filmstrip 12

read head 13

film frame or image frame 14

store 15

data areas 16

developing unit 17

magnetic data area 18

rerecord head 19

optical data area 20

backing pad 21

reading step (22)

controller 23

storing step (24)

lines 25

locating step (26)

take-up 27

external reference point 28

cartridge 29

perforations 30

cutter 31

sensor 32

mounter 33

mount supply or feeder 33a

fastener 33b

correlating step (34)

rerecording step (36)

arrows 37

boundaries 38

placing step (40)

cutting step (42)

assembling step (44)

first slide 46

mount 48

data correlated transparency or data-film segment 50

panel or card 52

front and rear faces 54,56

edges 58

windows 60,62

adhesive layer 64

recording on mount step (66)

correlating step 68

cutting step 70

recording step 72

assembling step 74

film segments 76

mounts 78

partially open film mounts 78a

drive element 80

segment drive 82

rollers 82a

table 82b

ram 84

arrow 86

collector 88

arrow 90

second improved slide 92

mount 94

front and rear faces 96,98

edges 100

panels 102

image windows 104,106

data window 108

front data window 110

back data window 112

first projector 114

body 116

light source 118

film station 120

projection lens system 122

optical axis 124

film holder 126

film cartridge chamber 127

cartridge 128

detent or stop 130

chamber unit 132

rotation element 134

film roll chamber 136

display section 138

projection window 140

projector film drive 142

shaft 144

extraction slot 146

sides (of chamber unit) 148

submembers 150

support 152

repositioner 154

cartridge tray 156

receivers 158

slot (in tray) 160

slide receiver 162

slide 164

cartridge tray 166

lift mechanism 168

extraction slot 170

sensor 172

film roll 174

magnetic head 176

arrows 178

arrows 180

controller 182

drive mechanism 184

write head 186

input device 188

projector 190

dashed line 191

formatter 192

masks 194,196

motor 198

geartrain 200

zoom mechanism 202

rack 204

zoom element 206

horizontal-vertical positioning mechanism 208

cropper 210

support plate 212

cropping window 213

cropping blades 214,216

sub-assemblies 218

first linear stepping motor 220

movable plate 222

second linear stepping motor 224

drive shaft 226

drive shaft 228

arrows 230

third projector 232

dashed line 234

LCD display 236

load cartridge (238)

signals 239

determine hand of load (240)

rotate 180 degrees (241)

determine orientation (242)

rotate 90 degrees (243)

determine format (244)

project image (246)

repeat for another frame (248)

repeat for another cartridge (250)

designate zoom (252)

designate crop (254)

determine if annotated (256)

position LCD (258)

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing photographic film unitshaving image frame associated encoded data comprising the stepsof:providing a filmstrip having a plurality of image frames and encodeddata relating to individual said image frames; reading said encodeddata; locating said image frames; identifying data units in said encodeddata; correlating individual said data units and individual said imageframes; and rerecording said data units on said filmstrip in physicalassociation with respective said image frames.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein said providing step further comprises developing said filmstrip.3. The method of claim 1 further providing the step of cutting saidfilmstrip into segments, each said segment including an individual saidimage frame and an associated said data unit.
 4. The method of claim 3further comprising the step of assembling said segments and slidemounts.5. The method of claim 1 wherein said encoded data includes magneticallyrecorded data.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said encoded dataincludes optically recorded data.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein saidencoded data includes optically recorded data.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein said rerecording is magnetic.
 9. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of placing said filmstrip in a cartridge.
 10. Amethod for preparing photographic film units having image frameassociated encoded data comprising the steps of:developing a filmstriphaving a plurality of image frames and encoded data relating toindividual said image frames; reading said encoded data; storing saidencoded data; locating said image frames; identifying data units in saidencoded data; correlating individual said data units and individual saidimage frames; rerecording said data units on said filmstrip in physicalassociation with respective said image frames; and cutting saidfilmstrip into segments, each said segment including an individual saidimage frame and an associated said data unit.
 11. A method for preparingphotographic film units having image frame associated encoded datacomprising the steps of:developing a filmstrip having a plurality ofimage frames and encoded data relating to individual said image frames;reading said encoded data; storing said encoded data; locating saidimage frames; identifying data units in said encoded data; correlatingindividual said data units and individual said image frames; rerecordingsaid data units on said filmstrip in physical association withrespective said image frames; and placing said filmstrip in a cartridge.12. An apparatus for preparing photographic film units having imageframe associated encoded data comprising the steps of:means forproviding a filmstrip having a plurality of image frames and encodeddata relating to individual said image frames; means for reading saidencoded data; means for locating said image frames; means foridentifying data units in said encoded data; means for correlatingindividual said data units and individual said image frames; and meansfor rerecording said data units on said filmstrip in physicalassociation with respective said image frames.